How to Get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong
Travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong by GreenBus or private transfer. Bus times, transfer prices and tips for the Laos border crossing.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Contents
Leaving the misty mountains of Chiang Mai for the riverside town of Chiang Khong takes you from Thailand's cultural heart to its quiet northern frontier. Most travelers on this route are heading for the Friendship Bridge and the slow boat down the Mekong from Huay Xai in Laos. The road is worth the trip in its own right, with winding hills and rural villages along the way.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong by Bus
GreenBus runs a daily service from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong via Chiang Rai that leaves Chiang Mai at 08:30. A second daily service via Phayao leaves at 09:30. In the other direction, the buses leave Chiang Khong at 10:30 (via Chiang Rai) and at 09:30 (via Phayao).[1]
GreenBus services leave from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, also known as the Arcade Bus Station.[2] Chiang Mai has several terminals, so double-check yours before you set off. The road climbs through mountain passes with plenty of curves, so a window seat is a good idea.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and drops you in Chiang Khong or right at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $130 (October 2026), and the drive takes 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours. Options include Economy cars, SUVs for 4 passengers and vans for 9 or 10 passengers.[3]
A private car saves the time of a bus with multiple stops, which helps if you have a boat to catch in Laos the next morning. Split among a group, a van can work out competitive per person.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Price from (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| GreenBus (08:30 or 09:30 from Chiang Mai) | Fare at the ticket counter | Daily departures[1] |
| Private transfer | About $130[3] | 5h 30min-6h |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong
- Book ahead in the cool season: Buses fill up with travelers heading to Laos between November and February.
- Take motion-sickness tablets if you need them: The mountain road has many bends.
- Bring water and snacks: Most buses do not serve meals.
- Start early: If you want to cross into Laos the same day, take the morning bus or a private car so you do not arrive too late at the border.
- Keep small baht notes: Handy for tuk-tuks in Chiang Khong.
Timetable
| Bus Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong $ 11.39 6h 55m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Chiang Khong $ 129.82โ234.49 5h 30m โ 6h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong, including current prices and schedules.
The GreenBus service is the budget option. Fares are sold at the ticket counter or through the operator.
A private transfer, which takes 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours and avoids the stops of a public bus.
GreenBus leaves Chiang Mai daily at 08:30 (via Chiang Rai) and at 09:30 (via Phayao).
From Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, also known as the Arcade Bus Station.
Yes. Vans for 9 or 10 passengers are available, and private transfers start at about $130 on booking platforms (October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] GreenBus: Our Service Routes: Greenbus bus schedule. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] GreenBus: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Greenbus: Route, Travel Time, Bus Services & Official Booking. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.